Water basted eggs are a healthy twist on traditional basted eggs. Get perfectly runny yolks every time, no flipping required.

Originally posted 1/2/17. Updated: 6/12/19 with new pictures and tweaks to instructions based on reader feedback.

Growing up I was always a scrambled eggs fan. It wasn’t until college that I discovered the amazingness that is an egg yolk-covered bite of toast.

And now I firmly believe that with the exception of a perfectly poached egg, very little beats an open-faced, over-easy egg sandwich with mashed avocado on a Saturday morning.

When I moved into my first apartment with a kitchen junior year of college, my roommate, like me, was obsessed with egg sandwiches.

While we tried our hands at making over-easy eggs ourselves, every once and awhile a yolk would break while flipping or I would accidentally over-cook it. So frustrating. But then we discovered basting eggs and never looked back.

What are basted eggs?  

Traditionally, basted eggs are made by cooking eggs in fat (usually butter) and spooning that butter over the egg as it cooks. This helps to cook the top of the egg without needing to flip it over.

While tasty, this method results in a high saturated fat egg that should be reserved for special occasions.

Luckily, there’s a secret way to take this idea of basting eggs, but with far less fat: steam.

How are these eggs healthier?

Rather than simmering your egg in a pool of butter and oil, this method involves just a light coating of butter (or cooking spray) to keep the egg from sticking to the pan. Plus, I like a little butter flavor to my eggs.

Then, since you don’t have a bunch of fat to bast the egg with, we’re going to create steam by pouring a tablespoon of water on top and then covering the pan with a lid.

Just like that, in 2-3 minutes you’ll have a perfectly runny yolk – no flipping required.

Tips for successful healthier basted eggs

The key with these eggs is to keep a close eye on them.

The minute you start to see an opaque white film start to cover the base of the egg yolk, you’ll want to remove the lid and slide those eggs onto your plate if you’re going for an over-easy egg.

However, if you like less runny yolks, wait to remove the eggs until the entire yolk has a white film over it.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Grease pan

Place a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the pan has warmed up slightly, lightly grease with butter or olive oil cooking spray.

Step 2: Add egg

Gently add you egg(s) to the pan, being careful not to break the yolk.

Let the egg cook about 1-2 minutes, or until the whites start to set.

Step 3: Add water and cover

Pour 1 tablespoon of water per egg over the top of the egg. Cover immediately.

Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until an opaque white film starts to over the top of the egg yolk.

Step 4: Remove from heat and serve

Immediately remove lid and take pan off of the burner.

Using a spatula, gently transfer the egg to your plate and dig in!

Making eggs a healthy breakfast

My favorite way to enjoy these eggs is with mashed avocado on top of a slice of homemade sourdough. For a truly balanced breakfast, add a cup of berries on the side.

What’s your favorite way to prepare eggs?

Share in the comments below or tag @TheHealthyToast_RD on Instagram!

Print Recipe

Healthier Basted Eggs

By far my favorite way to cook eggs at home, this healthier twist on basted eggs are an easy method to get perfectly runny yolks every time. No flipping required.

Cook Time5 mins

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Easy basted egg, Healthy basted egg

Servings: 1 egg

Calories: 70kcal

Author: Kelli mcGrane, MS, RD

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• Butter or olive oil cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon water
• Optional: salt pepper or other seasonings of choice

Instructions

• Place a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the pan has warmed up slightly, lightly grease with butter or olive oil cooking spray.
• Gently add you egg(to the pan, being careful not to break the yolk. Add seasonings of choice.
• Let the egg cook about 1-2 minutes, or until the whites start to set.
• Pour 1 tablespoon of water per egg over the top of the egg. Cover immediately.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until an opaque white film starts to over the top of the egg yolk.
• Immediately remove lid and take pan off of the burner.